This nature reserve is a haven for birds of prey and other wildlife, featuring a variety of habitats including woodland, heathland, and wetlands. The reserve is home to a diverse range of species, including hawks, owls, and other birds, as well as insects, reptiles, and mammals. Visitors can explore the reserve's trails and hides, getting up close and personal with the wildlife that calls this special place home.
A lovely little site but it feels like it's lacking compared to other sites in the area. I enjoyed the sight logs in the hides. We got to see a family of pheasants and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Which was delightful x
A quiet nature reserve on the edge of Shapwick Heath national nature reserve that is managed as a working farm but in a wildlife friendly way providing good habitats for hunting birds that like to hunt over short grass. The ditches are full of wildlife and are kept relatively full to promote wetland rather than drainage (keep an eye on children to make sure they don't fall in). Good parking with security cameras. The signs and hides are all recent and in good condition. Both hides are disabled friendly. The larger hide has lots of bird feeders that are frequently filled so lots of birds to view including woodpeckers.
Handy parking spot for a short break. CCTV, so definitely no overnight stopping. Voluntary parking fee to assist the Trust's funding. Notice boards for information on the site. Well controlled dogs are allowed on the paths in this part of the moors, but not in the Shapwick Heath reserve. High hedges, so at least 1km walk on quite muddy paths until you can see anything across the fields. Best part at twilight was to hear all the bird activity from the neighbouring Shapwick Heath lakes. It is a shame that there in no extension to the Shapwick Heath Decoy Hide path to bring it out onto the Shapwick Moor Rhyne to make a circular route taking in both reserves. In its absence a 400m walk along the bumpy road completes the route back to the car park, unless you return the same way.
A quiet nature reserve with plenty of hides and bird spotting opportunities
Owls, Kestrels and lots of smaller birds from the hides, attracted by well stocked feeders. Dogs allowed on short leads. Friendly volunteers maintaining area. Great to visit.
Had a very pleasant walk this morning. The hides are closed because of Covid 19 but there are benches to sit on. You can walk onto the Canada Farm reserve and a 3km walk would take you onto the Catcott Lows Reserve. A new scrape seems to have been constructed.
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Good for kids
Dogs allowed
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A lovely little site but it feels like it's lacking compared to other sites in the area. I enjoyed the sight logs in the hides. We got to see a family of pheasants and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Which was delightful x
A quiet nature reserve on the edge of Shapwick Heath national nature reserve that is managed as a working farm but in a wildlife friendly way providing good habitats for hunting birds that like to hunt over short grass. The ditches are full of wildlife and are kept relatively full to promote wetland rather than drainage (keep an eye on children to make sure they don't fall in). Good parking with security cameras. The signs and hides are all recent and in good condition. Both hides are disabled friendly. The larger hide has lots of bird feeders that are frequently filled so lots of birds to view including woodpeckers.
Handy parking spot for a short break. CCTV, so definitely no overnight stopping. Voluntary parking fee to assist the Trust's funding. Notice boards for information on the site. Well controlled dogs are allowed on the paths in this part of the moors, but not in the Shapwick Heath reserve. High hedges, so at least 1km walk on quite muddy paths until you can see anything across the fields. Best part at twilight was to hear all the bird activity from the neighbouring Shapwick Heath lakes. It is a shame that there in no extension to the Shapwick Heath Decoy Hide path to bring it out onto the Shapwick Moor Rhyne to make a circular route taking in both reserves. In its absence a 400m walk along the bumpy road completes the route back to the car park, unless you return the same way.
A quiet nature reserve with plenty of hides and bird spotting opportunities
Owls, Kestrels and lots of smaller birds from the hides, attracted by well stocked feeders. Dogs allowed on short leads. Friendly volunteers maintaining area. Great to visit.
Had a very pleasant walk this morning. The hides are closed because of Covid 19 but there are benches to sit on. You can walk onto the Canada Farm reserve and a 3km walk would take you onto the Catcott Lows Reserve. A new scrape seems to have been constructed.
